Nicola, a Bosman resident, speaks with Dr. Julian Somers (Co-Lead Investigator) and Louise Bradley (MHCC President & CEO)

Smiling faces, lively music and messages of hope filled the Bosman Hotel Community on August 23, 2010 as close to one hundred people took part in a celebration to mark the opening of the residence.

Guests included the MHCC’s President and CEO Louise Bradley, and supporters from the City of Vancouver, Province of BC and partner organizations. A Bosman resident named Nicola shared her personal story of how she came to live at the residence, and how she now feels a great sense of hope.

The Bosman Hotel Community is currently home to 67 people who have been homeless and living with a mental health issue.  The building is being operated by PHS Community Services Society, and in total 100 people will eventually live there. Residents are participants in the MHCC’s At Home/Chez Soi project, which is investigating the best ways to help homeless people who live with a mental illness.

At the Bosman, each resident has a private room and bathroom, and is provided with a full range of medical and social supports. Up until April of this year, the Bosman building was still being used as a hotel. Renovations were made in record time with the help of significant community donations, and in late July the first residents moved in.

Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish Nation, welcomes guests	Louise Bradley, MHCC CEO, speaks about hope
Dr. Jayne Barker speaks about the importance of the day	Nicola speaks about her personal journey as a Bosman resident
Liz Evans, PHS Community Services Society Executive Director speaks about partners	Ultan Kampff, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association President talks about being a community neighbour
Dick Vollet, Streetohome President, talks about being a partner	Dr. Kerry Jang, City of Vancouver Councillor speaks about how the project will help the city